JUDGING CRITERIA

Our Philosophy

The Manteca Youth Focus (MYF) competition philosophy is to develop and empower youth in order to help them become well-rounded, optimistic and motivated young people with a strong desire to be the best they can be in order to make meaningful contributions in their community. The combination of their character, intellect and call to serve others all go into making them vital and ambitious.

We have a passion for guiding and developing young people to constantly challenge oneself and “Reach for the Stars”. Although poise and physical appearance can serve to compliment one’s character and serve as important aspect of making a positive, memorable first impression, there is no aspect of MYF scholarship competitions in which a participant’s beauty, physical fitness, photogenic quality or modeling ability are ever considered. Instead, it is part of our overall philosophy to instead focus on the inner beauty, unique talents and drive of each young person who participates in our scholarship program rather than the traditional definition of outward physical beauty as it translates in today’s popular culture.

Age Divisions

Each and every participant, regardless of age or gender participates in every one of the six phases of competition indicated below. However, in order to provide age-appropriate training and development which takes into account varying levels of emotional, intellectual and psychological development, participants are separated into one of three age categories as listed below. Please note your age as of June 1st of the competition year will determine the age division in which you will compete.

Age Age Division/ Competition Name Abbreviation Also Known As
10-12 Young Manteca Scholarship Competition YMC Young Division
13-15 Teen Manteca Scholarship Competition TMC Teen Division
16-20 Manteca Scholarship Competition MSC Upper Division

 

Phases of Competition

Each phase of competition is assigned a percentage. These percentage factors reflect the order of importance of that phase of competition. Your score for each phase of competition will be weighted according to the appropriate percentage. The table provides the percentages for each phase of competition ranked in order of importance, in the event of a tie.

Phase of Competition

Weight

Volunteer Service

20%

Academic Achievement

20%

Personality Interview

15%

Communicative Skills

15%

Stage Arts

15%

Community Advocacy Speech

15%

 

Phases of Competition In-Depth

The judges will review your list of volunteer service activities which you will submit online as part of your online “Volunteer Service” form. Contributions to school, church and other volunteer service endeavors should emphasize quality and variety rather than the quantity or sheer number of hours. Additionally, you will participate in a 3-5 minute Volunteer Service & Advocacy Interview with the panel of judges. The judges will award a score reflecting what they feel is your level of responsibility and commitment to improving the community in which you live. You will provide a list of your volunteer service activities and a reference person for up to three clubs/organizations for the past TWO YEARS. Please see Official Handbook section entitled “Volunteer Service” for further assistance.

The judges will award a score based on your GPA, curriculum content, difficulty of classes, and academic load for the past year. This information is based off three important items that you will submit online; 1) your official transcripts or report cards, 2) one letter of recommendation from a teacher, and 3) your personal academic statement (500 words or less). If you fail to turn in any portion of your required materials prior to the academic achievement competition judging begins, or if your submission is incomplete, your score will be directly affected.

The personality interview provides a face-to-face opportunity for you to meet with the judges in a 5-7 minute panel interview. This phase gives the judges a unique opportunity to gain insight on you as a person, on your values and attitudes and most importantly your personality and character. You should prepare for your interview by reviewing your “All About Me” form that you submitted online. Also be aware of your appearance, grooming and posture as they are important in giving the judges an idea of your professionalism. Please see Handbook section entitled “Interview Tips” for further assistance.

 

This phase of competition, sometimes referred to as “press interview” or “impromptu question,” is conducted live on-stage. A moderator will present you with two-three questions. The questions cover such topics as your future goals, the importance of community service & education, details about local fairs, festivals and celebrations, as well as the role and responsibility as Miss Manteca / Manteca City Ambassador (or teen/young). Each candidate will be asked the same number of questions but different content, which you each will draw at random live, on-stage.  There is no time limit for this phase of competition. Please see Handbook section entitled The Best Questions in the Whole Wide World” which includes the EXACT pool of questions that will be utilized in this phase of competition.

This phase of competition is a solo performance of your best personal talent, which will be performed live, on-stage. It is limited to 3 minutes in length and can include any type of solo activity: speech, dance, vocal performance, baton routine, pantomime, artistic demonstration, pompom routine, etc.  Your talent can be anything you want it to be excluding the use of profanity or fire 🙂. The judges will award you a score based on the degree of difficulty and technical ability you demonstrate as well as the creativity, entertainment value and your showmanship. There are several technical restrictions on light, costuming, etc. Please see Handbook section “Official Rules and Regulations” for complete details.

This is an on-stage, memorized speech limited to 100 words or less. You must provide a brief summary or description of a volunteer project you would like to implement or continue in the coming year. You will be judged on: content, on-stage confidence, your composure and personality. Please see Handbook section “Community Advocacy Speech” for further assistance.